Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Chandler, AZ: $80.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Chandler, AZ runs $80.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $166,521 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Chandler's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $81.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $99,910 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chandler, Arizona, air traffic controllers receive a competitive hourly pay, with a median rate of $80.06, significantly higher than the national median of $73.02. This premium reflects not only the cost of living adjustments but also the demand for skilled professionals in a field that is known for its intense responsibilities. For part-time controllers working three days a week, this translates to a substantial income, especially as they operate within various critical environments, from en route center radar consoles to airport traffic control towers. With entry-level positions starting around $46.43 to seasoned professionals earning up to $120.26 per hour, the pay structure allows for significant earnings potential, making air traffic controller hourly pay in Chandler particularly appealing for both full-time and per diem workers alike.
About the Chandler Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46.43 | $371.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57.64 | $461.15 |
| Median (P50) | $80.06 | $640.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102.48 | $819.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120.26 | $962.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chandler
Based on $80.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $80.06/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chandler, AZ can expect to earn approximately $166,516 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $96,067. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chandler.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chandler
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,202.24 | $13,876 | $166,516 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,921.34 | $8,326 | $99,910 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,280.89 | $5,551 | $66,606 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Chandler) | $80.06 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Chandler, AZ earn a median of $166,521 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.64% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 11.30% above the Arizona state average of $149,615.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $80.06/hr = $99,910/year (purchasing power: $101,431).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $166,516/year (purchasing power: $169,052).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$64.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$80.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Chandler (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $68.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $68.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $69.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Chandler grew 20.4% from $64.83/hr (2019) to $78.05/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $82.11/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chandler metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Chandler
For those contemplating a part-time role, working as an air traffic controller three days a week translates to an annual income that can be quite significant. Controllers often have the opportunity to increase their earnings through overtime, which can elevate their effective hourly compensation far above the base rate. Many controllers at busy facilities find themselves working 50-60 hour weeks, leading to substantial additional pay and often pushing their total annual compensation beyond $100,000, thanks to overtime and shift differentials. The variety of employers in Chandler—from FAA en route centers to smaller airports staffed by contractors—means that earnings can vary widely depending on the facility type and staffing needs. While some might accept slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, others may prefer higher pay without benefits, particularly if they can negotiate lucrative per diem air traffic controller pay in Chandler. For those looking to optimize their hourly pay, understanding the pay scales and negotiation strategies specific to this profession is essential, especially in a market shaped by chronic understaffing and the impending retirement age of 56.
More salary data for Chandler, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Chandler. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chandler is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov